The conversion of a former slaughterhouse in Ostrava, Czech Republic, into the Plato Gallery of Contemporary Art is a project of adaptive reuse. Designed by the Polish architectural studio called KWK Promes Konieczny, the project was a finalist for the prestigious European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture (Mies van der Rohe Award) and a recipient of the Czech Republic National Prize. The design, led by Robert Konieczny, integrates the building's industrial past with its new public function, aiming to maintain the structure's character.
A new life for historic materials
The design team preserved the original brickwork, which was marked by its industrial history. Where parts of the building had collapsed, they were reconstructed using micro-concrete. This material was also used for all new elements, creating a visual and textural connection between the old and new parts of the structure. This approach highlights the building's material legacy while enabling its new purpose.
Redefining the gallery space
The architectural concept challenges the traditional notion of a gallery as a sealed, interior environment by creating a direct, flexible connection to the exterior. This is achieved through a series of six rotating walls. Two of these serve as entrances, while the others connect the exhibition halls directly to the surrounding park.
This feature allows for the physical blurring of indoor and outdoor space. When open, the gallery’s interior expands into the exterior, turning the surrounding landscape into an active part of the exhibition. When closed, the walls become an extension of the interior display area.
This architectural intervention facilitates new curatorial and artistic possibilities, extending the gallery's presence beyond its physical walls and engaging with the public realm. The architects also added a new wing to the building, which features a blind concrete facade decorated with impressions of windows to echo the design of the rotating walls.
Revitalising the landscape
The project also included the rehabilitation of the contaminated soil around the building. The ground was replaced to create a biodiverse park with water-permeable surfaces and retention basins. The new landscape, which includes edible plants and diverse vegetation, provides a green space for residents and references the layout of the former outbuildings. This new public park serves as a shared community space that complements the gallery's cultural function.
Strategic material choices
Inside the gallery, the spaces are finished with white lime plaster, a choice that references the building's original function of maintaining hygiene. New roofs were constructed from steel structures and a light-colored membrane to reduce heat absorption. The new glazing features a dark ceramic screen print that helps to diffuse natural light, creating a controlled environment for the artworks. These material decisions were made to both honour the building's history and ensure its performance as a modern gallery.
The Plato Gallery of Contemporary Art demonstrates a considered approach to preserving a historic building. By thoughtfully integrating new materials and a new program, the project has created a cultural institution that serves the community and respects the legacy of its industrial origins.
Team:
Architect: KWK Promes Konieczny
Photographer: Jakub Certowicz
